[THEKLA, _as giddy, grasps a chair_.] Known by his plume, And his long hair, gave signal for the trenches; Himself leapt first: the regiment all plunged after. His charger, by a halbert gored, rear'd up, Flung him with violence off, and over him The horses, now no longer to be curbed-- [THEKLA, _who has accompanied the last speech_ _with all the marks of increasing agony_, _trembles through her whole frame, and is_ _falling. The_ LADY NEUBRUNN _runs to her_, _and receives her in her arms.]_
CAPTAIN. Wild despair Inspired the troops with frenzy when they saw Their leader perish; every thought of rescue Was spurned; they fought like wounded tigers; their Frantic resistance roused our soldiery; A murderous fight took place, nor was the contest Finish'd before their last man fell.
And where-- Where is--You have not told me all.
This morning We buried him. Twelve youths of noblest birth Did bear him to interment; the whole army Follow'd the bier. A laurel deck'd his coffin; The sword of the deceased was placed upon it, In mark of honor, by the Rhinegrave's self. Nor tears were wanting; for there are among us Many, who had themselves experienced The greatness of his mind and gentle manners; All were affected at his fate. The Rhinegrave Would willingly have saved him; but himself Made vain the attempt--'tis said he wish'd to die.
NEUBRUNN _(to_ THEKLA, _who has hidden her countenance_).
At Neustadt, lady; in a cloister church Are his remains deposited, until We can receive directions from his father.
You go by Tirschenreut And Falkenberg through our advanced posts.
Colonel Seckendorf. [THEKLA _steps to the table, and takes a ring from a casket.]_
You have beheld me in my agony, And shown a feeling heart. Please you, accept _[Giving him the ring_.] A small memorial of this hour. Now go!
[THEKLA _silently makes signs to him to go, and turns from him. The_ CAPTAIN _lingers, and is about to speak_. LADY NEUBRUNN _repeats the signal, and he retires.]_
THEKLA _(falls on_ LADY NEUBRUNN's _neck_).
Now, gentle Neubrunn, show me the affection Which thou hast ever promised--prove thyself My own true friend and faithful fellow-pilgrim. This night we must away!
Whither! There is but one place in the world. Thither, where he lies buried! To his coffin!